A Nairobi court on Tuesday declared that a ruling on whether to grant bail to suspects in the Sh9 Billion National Youth Service (NYS) scandal would be made on June 19.
NYS Director-General Richard Ndubai, suspended Principal Secretary Lilian Omollo and other suspects had sought to overturn an earlier ruling denying them bail and ordering they stay in remand until the conclusion of the trial.
The prosecution, however, strongly opposed the application, submitting to Justice Hedwig Ong'udi that the accused were in a position to interfere with the trial if released.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that many witnesses in the case were Ndubai's juniors at NYS and, therefore, could be influenced or intimidated.
"Majority of the witnesses set to testify in the cases against the accused person were his juniors who worked were under him, hence a very high likelihood of interference and intimidation of the witnesses," the DPP stated.
[caption caption="NYS Director General Richard Ndubai and Youth Principal Secretary Lilian Mbogo Omollo"]
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PS Omollo, who is currently admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) Private Wing, also sought to have her prosecution stopped pending hearing and determination of her application.
She argued that Judge Douglas Ogoti of the Anti-corruption Court failed to consider their arguments when ordering the extension of their stay in remand.
In addition, a report from a consultant physician Dr Stanley Ngare on her condition read in part: “She is still not stable enough to attend court proceedings and requires to continue care in the hospital.”
When denying the suspects bail, Ogoti explained that they were charged with serious offences of economic crimes that are a threat to, among other things, national security.
“It is the opinion of the court that it can lead to anarchy, threat to peace and national security. This in itself is a compelling reason why bail should and is hereby denied,” he ruled.
[caption caption="DPP Noordin Haji"]
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